Manchester City will be looking to claim their 10th Premier League win of the season when they welcome Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams meet for the first time since March 2017 when the Citizens secured a 2-0 top-flight victory at the Stadium of Light thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane.
Match preview
After inexplicably blowing a two-goal lead before snatching a 3-2 victory in stoppage time against Leeds United last weekend, Man City survived a remarkable second-half fightback from Fulham to **edge a nine-goal thriller**at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.
The Citizens were seemingly cruising at 5-1 with just over half an hour remaining, but well-documented defensive frailties put them under unnecessary pressure. Indeed, Fulham battled their way back into the chaotic contest with three unanswered goals, before City had Josko Gvardiol to thank for producing a 97th-minute goalline clearance.
After a game that will be remembered for Erling Haaland scoring his 100th PL goal in record-breaking time, manager Pep Guardiola had ‘no answer’ for Man City’s alarming second-half capitulation and has warned his Citizens side that if they lose even one game, it will be “so difficult” to topple leaders Arsenal in the title race.
The Gunners could extend their lead at the summit to eight points with a win at Aston Villa in Saturday’s early kickoff, before second-placed Man City prepare for battle against a Sunderland outfit whom they have beaten in each of their last seven meetings by an aggregate score of 20-6.
City have also prevailed in 24 of their last 26 top-flight matches against promoted clubs (D2) and they head into this weekend’s fixture seeking to win a seventh successive Premier League game at the Etihad, where they have already scored a division-high 19 home goals this term.
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Unlike Man City, Sunderland were not so fortunate when they visited Craven Cottage a fortnight ago, losing 1-0. However, they have responded to that minor setback in admirable fashion, accumulating four points across their last two Premier League games against Bournemouth and Liverpool.
After coming from two goals down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 at the Stadium of Light last weekend, the Black Cats were on the cusp of claiming a memorable victory at Anfield on Wednesday night. Chemsdine Talbi’s strike had put them ahead, but an unfortunate 81st-minute own goal from Nordi Mukiele meant the spoils were shared at 1-1.
Head coach Regis Le Bris praised the character of his players after the match and also applauded the travelling supporters for playing their part in spurring on a team that “believe it is possible to win anywhere” having adapted to life back in the top flight in impressive fashion.
Le Bris will celebrate his 50th birthday on Saturday, and although he is not expecting “a gift” from his opposite number Guardiola, the Frenchman has encouraged his Black Cats’ side to showcase their “qualities” once more, as they endeavour to consolidate their place in the top six of the Premier League and potentially climb back into the top four.
Sunderland, who have not beaten Man City since the days of Martin O’Neill in November 2013 (1-0), have lost 299 of their 622 Premier League games in total and defeat this weekend would see them become the ninth club to suffer 300 defeats in the division. It would also be the fewest matches to 300 losses - currently held by Fulham (682).
Manchester City Premier League form:
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Manchester City form (all competitions):
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Sunderland Premier League form:
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Team News
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Manchester City will still be without midfield duo Rodri and Mateo Kovacic; the former still needs more time to build up his fitness and recover from a hamstring problem sustained in October, while the latter is facing a lengthy spell in the treatment room with an ankle/heel injury.
Nico Gonzalez has started at the base of Man City’s midfield in each of their last eight matches in all competitions, but he was taken off early in the midweek win at Fulham and is expected to retain his place in the first XI on Saturday.
However, with one eye on next Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Real Madrid, Guardiola may ponder a couple of changes, with Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Rayan Ait-Nouri, John Stones and Nathan Ake all pushing for a recall in defence.
Guardiola may consider replacing captain Bernardo Silva with either Savinho or Rayan Cherki to operate on the right flank, but in-form Foden - who has scored four goals in his last two PL appearances - is set to continue in an advanced central role behind Haaland.
As for Sunderland, Habib Diarra remains sidelined with a long-term groin injury, while Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Leo Hjelde (Achilles) and Aji Alese (shoulder) are lacking match fitness and it remains to be seen if any of the trio will be selected in the matchday squad.
Le Bris reverted to a five-man defence for the midweek draw at Liverpool and will likely stick with the same system against Man City, with Trai Hume and Reinildo Mandava operating as wing-backs either side of central defenders Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete.
Granit Xhaka, who has lost more games against Man City (15 out of 18) than against any other opponent in his career, is expected to link up with Noah Sadiki in centre-midfield, while Brian Brobbey was handed his first PL start against Liverpool and will hope to continue up front, but the Dutchman faces competition from both Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Khusanov, Stones, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Le Fee
We say: Manchester City 2-1 Sunderland
Before the season began, many at Man City may have viewed this home fixture against Sunderland as a relatively straightforward assignment. While City remain favourites to come out on top this weekend, the Black Cats have shown this term that they are more than capable of competing with the big boys.
Sunderland will fancy their chances of breaching City’s leaky backline, even if they have only scored four times on the road this season, but it is difficult to back against Guardiola’s side at the Etihad, leading us to predict a narrow victory for the hosts.
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